Take the Odakyu line express train for Odawara from central Tokyo, and in 80 minutes you will be in the lush natural surrounds of Matsudayama. Here, the Matsudayama Herb Garden, set on a mountain slope, shines in pink and white – thanks to the around 260 kawazu sakura cherry blossom trees on the premises. Bursting into bloom from late January every year, they stay beautiful until early March. Underneath the cherry blossom trees you can see yellow rapeseed flowers in full bloom, while the snow-capped Mount Fuji is visible on clear days as well.

The kawazu sakura bloom from late January to the end of February – earlier than regular cherry blossoms.

Their flowers are darker than those of the common somei yoshino variety and also bloom longer (around one month).